The Arab or Arabian horse is the oldest and purest breed still in existence today. Its origins would seem to go back to more than 3000 years B.C., and evidence of this is given by archeological finds that have come to light in the deserts of Arabia. As a result the origins of this breed are literally lost in the tide of time, and this superb creature is shrouded in a web of legends, lending it a certain aura of magic and mystery.

According to one legend this horse is descended from seven original ancestors selected by King Solomon from the 40,000 chariot horses and 12,000 saddle horses that he owned. From these seven original steeds, so the legend goes, seven breeds were subsequently produced, called Kokeilan (with eyes that look colored). Manaki (with a superb neck), Hedregi (an energetic and tireless animal), Saklaui (brave and intelligent), Gilfi (swift and powerful), Hedban (noble and valiant), and Trefi (proud) - all qualities that are to be found in the modern-day Arab. Popular tradition claims that the Arab descends from the five mares of Mohomet which were the first to reach Mecca out of a total of 85 sent by the Prophet to bring news of victory. These two tales clearly illustrate why, for the Arabs, the horse is a sacred animal, a true gift offered by God to man, for his greater happiness. This concept is backed up by holy books, and the Koran, which contains advice, instructions and directions to ensure that this animal be well looked after and loved.

According to the Raswaan, one of the leading authorities on the subject, there are three basic types of Arab: the Asil or Kockalani, the purebred Arab and the Arab breed. The Assil, which was also called Kohuail Koheil, Khamsa or Kamsat by the various different tribes that reared it, is the true Bedouin Arab and can be classified into three sub-breeds: the Kuhailan, a perfect example of endurance, the Siglavy, which symbolizes beauty and elegance and the Muniqi, which represents swiftness and speed. The Kuhailan (Kehylan) and Siglavy (Seglawi) also repressed the male and the female type respectively. In comparison with these two, the Muniqi (Munighi or even Managhi) tend to be more elegant in appearance and has longer limbs, a longer neck and back, and a straight profile. The purebred Arab is essentially the result of crossing these three main sub-breeds. Finally the Arab breed includes all animals whose pedigree includes one or more ancestors of dubious or obscure origin, or records the influence of Barb, Persian, Syrian, Egyptian Arab or related blood. Most Arabs bred in Europe belong to this last group. According to Guarmani (1824 - 1884) another famous horse expert, the Assil type can be divided into two basic types, which have each, in turn, given rise to five sub-breeds or strains: the Kamsat el Ressul type and the Kamsat el Mascecur type. The former can be divided into the strains of Gilfi, Manaki, Makladi, Saklani and Koheilan and the second includes the Obeyan, Gedran, Sueti, Daageni and Heabescian lines.

The Arab is swift and strong, good natured and generous with well-proportioned and elegant lines and an undemanding temperament. On average it lives to an age of 21, but it is in its prime between seven and 14, which would explain an Arab saying: “Seven years for my brother, seven years for me, and seven years for my enemy” - which gives a fairly accurate description of the Arab horse’s range of performance throughout its life.

This breed is now widespread throughout the world and it has been widely used to create or improve other breeds in particular the English Thoroughbred. The introduction of the Arab horse into Europe seems to date back to the time of the Morrish invasions of western Europe.

Breed: Arab or Arabian Horse

Place of Origin: Arabia

Height at the withers: 14-15 hands (average)

Weight: 855-970 lb.

Structure: mesomorphic

Color: Grey - Bay - Chestnut - Black

Temperament: highly strung but gentle

Aptitude: Light draught-horse

Qualities: speed and endurance

Geographical distribution: worldwide

Head: small with broad forehead - straight or dished profile - ears small and pricked - eyes large and expressive - nostrils large and flared - lips fine

Neck: long and clearly curved - elegant and well set into the jaws - broad at the lower end - with a long thick mane.

Body: withers prominent and clearly defined - back straight and short (17 vertebrae instead of the usual 18) - loins short (5 lumbar vertebrae instead of 6) and broad- croup broad an flat - tail attached, on a level with the back, full and carried high - chest broad and deep, body well ribbed up - abdomen somewhat drawn in

Legs: muscular -shoulder long and sloping - joints big and flat - tendons clearly defined and set well apart- hoof small with very tough horn- natural stance perfect

Skin: thin and elastic, covered with short silky hairs.